WTF SF: Murray vs Federer

It's a lovely touch that Andy's got a poppy on his kit for today. I see a lot of appreciation on his Facebook, but inevitably one numpty who is complaining that Andy "chose" an "English poppy". Having lived (and bought poppies) in Scotland and England, I didn't even realise there was a difference, and more to the point, remembrance has always been about remembering ALL war dead, not even just the British ones. It annoys me how some people can't help but hijack a cause to push their own agenda.

I can't work out if it's intended as a compliment or taking the piss that he's finally won a Slam.

I normally stay away from there due to the extreme hatred and nonsense opinions towards some players but it's certainly an interesting read. Most neutrals seem to favour Murray and the Federer fans are split between blind optimism and going with the form book.

They are quite bonkers over there, and when I say "they" I mean as a group. There are a few trying to have sensible conversations inbetween the general abuse of players and each other.

There seems to be a love of nicknames, mainly insulting, but sometimes bigging them up, and it's hard to tell what it tongue in cheek and what is serious. A lot of it is tongue in cheek, but then taken seriously by others getting their knickers in a twist about it.

I think calling Andy Slamray is just a new nickname (he was golden boy for a while), and for some it's an opportunity to take the mickey out of those who said he'd never win one as much as anything else. For others, it's a short-hand for the new, improved Murray, aka Murray 2.0.

Even though I don't much like him, I feel sorry for Berdych. He seems to have the most extensive collection of negative nicknames that are properly negative. At least when they call Tsonga, Clownga, it's kind of cute!

"That would require him beating himself. Which we all know is not possible for weaponless pushers."

Less than 5 minutes after the same guy said this to someone who reckoned Murray would win in straights:

"*laugh*

The delusion is strong in here."

Haha yeah, and an Andy win tonight will make the fed fans bring out the "1001 reasons why fed lost the match book of excuses" and number one will be almost guaranteed.

Fed only lost because he had a match yesterday and Andy had a day off....

Anyway back to the match, nice to see the Olympic semi finalists back in the last 4 again, kind of ironic really and as the ATP site mentioned, this is the second time (2010) in three years the top three players are in the semi-finals at The O2. This is also the first time since 2004 the semi-finalists have won at least one career Grand Slam title.

Although the matchups are different this time, let's all hope for the same result in the end. CMON Andy!

I bet they will support Andy more in this match.Come on, home crowd? They don't have a bad heart towards the home boy.Actually, I think they will be neutral..

I'm not so sure. Federer has an enormous following not least in the UK. Remember Federer was a champion years before Andy came on the scene. I cant see his established fans deserting RF for Andy. There's bound to be many Murray fans there so we'll have to see who has the loudest voices!!

I'm not so sure. Federer has an enormous following not least in the UK. Remember Federer was a champion years before Andy came on the scene. I cant see his established fans deserting RF for Andy. There's bound to be many Murray fans there so we'll have to see who has the loudest voices!!

It would be just sick if they stick with Fed.For some reason, I can't picture that happening. Bad thought

I'm not so sure. Federer has an enormous following not least in the UK. Remember Federer was a champion years before Andy came on the scene. I cant see his established fans deserting RF for Andy.

This is true. There's also an almost boyband element to tennis support at times (i.e. teenage girls and unfulfilled housewives supporting players they fancy). It's mainly Nadal who gets that in this country, but Federer does as well.

I was there two full days this week and it is a very mixed crowd - age, gender, nationality, ethnicity. Since nobody knew until last night who would be playing there will be fans of many different players there - and yes Fed has an enormous following, so chances are there will be a lot of his fans there.